SHAKE THE HAND THAT SHOOK THE WORLD

John L. Sullivan // Randall Flagg Slogan

A 1.25" (3.175 cm) button with the slogan ‘Shake the hand that shook the world.’

The first Irish American Boxing Champion, John L. Sullivan dubbed the "Boston Strong Boy" by the press, 

was an American boxer recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing, de facto reigning from 1882 to 1892. 

He is also generally recognized as the last heavyweight champion of bare-knuckle boxing under the London Prize Ring Rules, 

being a cultural icon of the late 19th century America, arguably the first boxing superstar and one of the world's highest-paid athletes of his era.

Sullivan was so famous and had traveled the country so extensively,

for many years politicians and others who had met him (and probably some who hadn’t)

would often tell people to “shake the hand that shook the hand of John L. Sullivan.”

The phrase originated from the farcical play The Rag Baby,

which featured a sports fan so enamored of Sullivan that he was thrilled

just to shake the hand of someone who had met the fighter.

The phrase is also used by Stephen King in ‘The Waste Lands,’

part of his epic Dark Tower series, in relation to Walter O’Dim, an aspect of Randall Flagg.

Shake the Hand that Shook the World is also the title of an album

by Philadelphia pop/rockers Pepper's Ghost, and an art installation by Liana Maria.

Wear this button while NOT getting punch-drunk,

while practicing your quick draw,

or while going on walkabout.

Pin back on each button. Coins and ruler NOT included. 1.25 inches = 3.175 cm. 2.25 inches equals 5.715 centimeters.

“He wears a rose as big as any turnip on his coat,

A stand-up collar half-mast high, and big enough to vote.”